Understanding the New Salt Limit
There is no single new salt limit. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health organizations are working together to achieve existing targets for salt reduction, and have released updated guidelines for this purpose. For most healthy adults, the WHO recommends less than 5 grams of salt per day, which is equivalent to less than 2,000 milligrams of sodium. The new push is to get countries to meet a collective goal of decreasing average population salt intake by 30% by the year 2025. This is a renewed commitment to an existing target.
Many countries are developing plans to support this target, which is why consumers may be seeing new initiatives and information. For example, some countries have set specific targets for sodium reduction in processed foods, and implemented front-of-pack labeling to help consumers make more informed choices. The focus is not only on individual salt use, but also on the food environment, as most dietary sodium comes from processed and restaurant foods.
Why a Renewed Push for Salt Reduction?
The emphasis on limiting sodium intake is a proactive measure against non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. High salt consumption is a major cause of high blood pressure, and lowering salt intake is a cost-effective public health measure.
- High Blood Pressure: Excess sodium causes the body to retain fluid, which increases the volume of blood in the bloodstream and puts pressure on blood vessel walls. This hypertension forces the heart to work harder.
- Increased Cardiovascular Risk: Over time, this strain can lead to an enlarged heart muscle, heart failure, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Other Health Issues: High sodium intake is also linked to kidney stones, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Challenges in Meeting Sodium Targets
Achieving and maintaining low sodium intake is challenging. A significant portion of the global population consumes far more than the recommended amount. The average adult's intake is often double the WHO's recommendation. This overconsumption is largely driven by highly processed and pre-packaged foods, not just adding table salt. Many countries have seen only modest reductions through voluntary measures, highlighting the need for stronger, mandatory regulations. This is why the renewed focus is placed on food industry reformulation and public health initiatives.
Comparison: WHO vs. AHA Recommendations
Different health organizations provide slightly different, but largely aligned, guidance on sodium intake. The table below compares the recommendations from the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association.
| Feature | World Health Organization (WHO) | American Heart Association (AHA) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Target | Less than 5g of salt (or 2,000mg sodium) per day for adults. | No more than 2,300mg of sodium per day. |
| Optimal Target | Aims for less than 5g of salt per day, with additional benefits from lower intake. | An ideal limit of no more than 1,500mg of sodium per day for most adults, especially those with high blood pressure. |
| Focus | A global, population-wide approach targeting food reformulation, labeling, and public campaigns to reduce overall salt exposure. | Educating consumers to read nutrition labels, prepare fresh foods, and reduce restaurant intake, while promoting diets like DASH. |
| Context | Addresses global populations with diverse dietary habits, many of whom consume well over 10g of salt daily. | Primarily focuses on the American population, where average intake is around 3,400mg per day and over 70% of sodium comes from processed foods. |
How to Reduce Sodium Intake
Cutting back on sodium doesn't mean sacrificing flavor.
- Read Nutrition Labels: The % Daily Value (%DV) is a helpful tool. A general guide is to aim for 5% DV or less of sodium per serving. Also, be aware of sodium-related terms like "Reduced Sodium" or "Light in Sodium," and understand what they mean.
- Rinse Canned Foods: Rinsing can remove excess sodium from canned beans, tuna, and vegetables.
- Choose Fresh: Fresh, unprocessed foods are naturally lower in sodium. Opt for fresh meats, vegetables, and fruits over their processed counterparts.
- Cook at Home More Often: Preparing meals at home gives control over the amount of salt used. Experiment with salt-free seasoning blends, herbs, and spices.
- Be Mindful of Condiments: Many sauces, dressings, and condiments are loaded with sodium. Choose lower-sodium options or make your own.
- Boost Potassium: Potassium helps counteract the effects of sodium. Include foods high in potassium, such as avocados, bananas, potatoes, and spinach, into your diet.
Conclusion
While there isn't a new numerical salt limit being imposed in 2025, the global effort to reduce sodium consumption is more concerted than ever. The WHO's recommendation of less than 5 grams of salt (2,000 mg of sodium) per day for adults serves as a crucial benchmark, and their updated guidance pushes for industry-wide changes. For individuals, the path to healthier living involves conscious choices, from reading labels to cooking more at home. By understanding where the vast majority of our sodium comes from—processed and restaurant foods—it's possible to take meaningful steps toward lowering intake and protecting long-term heart health. The push for a 30% reduction by 2025 underscores that addressing excessive salt is a global priority, benefiting everyone.
